New Napoli coach Roberto Donadoni has said fans should not expect too much during his first few months in charge.

The 45-year-old, sacked as Italy coach in June when the world champions went out of Euro 2008 in the quarter-finals, replaced the sacked Edy Reja at the Serie A side in midweek.

The Naples club had been pushing for a Champions League or UEFA Cup spot but nine league games without a win have left them languishing in 11th spot.

"The team is not going through an easy moment, it doesn't make sense to talk about Europe," Donadoni told a news conference.

"First, I have to understand what players I have at my disposal. I will talk with Reja and with the players, then I will start work.

"I have ideas but first I must confront my new reality."

Napoli, backed by a huge fanbase and the money of film producer Aurelio De Laurentiis, are in their second season back in the top flight and have two of Serie A's hottest prospects - Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi.

The club from Italy's third biggest city won their only two scudettos in 1987 and 1990 thanks to Diego Maradona.